Although Starfleet personnel are trained in landing a saucer module it is a maneuver that is rarely performed, not least because of the stresses put upon the saucer section on impact with the planet surface. Until the crash landing of the U. S. S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, a galaxy class starship had not been tested in emergency landing procedures, except in computer simulations. It takes the crew of the Enterprise to prove the maneuver is a viable option, when no other courses of action are available.

1: After all crew members have been safely evacuated to the saucer section from the drive and battle sections, 18 docking latches disengage and the saucer detaches from the rest of the Enterprise.

2: The saucer module departs. With a warp core breach imminent, the saucer must quickly distance itself from the battle section to avoid the massive explosion that is to follow.

3: The primary hull is destroyed by the explosion after the warp core breach. This causes a huge shock wave that causes a huge shock wave that catches the saucer section, sending it hurtling toward the planet.

4: Friction causes the leading edge of the saucer sections hull to glow as it enters the atmosphere. Fortunately, the ship can withstand external pressures and adverse conditions such as this.

5: The saucer section breaks through the cloud cover and visual assessment of the landscape is now possible. Any Last-minute attitude adjustments are now made by the conn.

6: The view from the bridge of the U. S. S. Enterprise shows slightly mountainous and heavily forested environment. Not ideal, but in this case there isn’t a choice.

7: During the final seconds before impact the saucer section is still travelling at enormous speed. The only thing that the crew can do now is brace themselves.

8: The saucer hits the ground with a tremendous shock. The noise is deafening, and crew members are thrown from their positions.

9: The massive saucer section plows through the landscape of the planet surface, displacing trees and destroying everything in its path.

10: The ship is almost at rest. Once it has come to a stop, the crew must assess damage and casualties, and determine whether it is safe to leave the saucer.

11: After broadcasting an emergency distress call, the crew must wait for help to arrive. Here shuttles from the U. S. S. Faragut are arriving to collect survivors.